Weiner Checking Himself Into Treatment Center, Wants Leave Of Absence From Congress

Embattled Congressman Anthony Weiner is seeking professional
treatment and wants a temporary leave of absence from
Congress, AP
reports.

Weiner plans to check himself into a treatment center today, but
has not said he will permanently resign in the wake of the
Twitter-sexting scandal.

The Congressman's spokesperson said Weiner "would request a leave
of absence from the House and seek treatment, but provided no
further details," the
New York Times reported.

This is the statement just made by Weiner's spokeswoman, Risa
Heller:

Congressman Weiner departed this morning to seek professional
treatment to focus on becoming a better husband and healthier
person.

In light of that, he will request a short leave of absence from
the House of Representatives so that he can get evaluated and map
out a course of treatment to make himself well.

Congressman Weiner takes the views of his colleagues very
seriously and has determined that he needs this time to get
healthy and make the best decision possible for himself, his
family and his constituents.

Pelosi said earlier Weiner "needs
help" and he should get some "without the pressures of being a
member of Congress."

DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz said Weiner's behavior has
been "indefensible" and his "continued service in Congress is
untenable," according to the
Washington Post.

Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Steve Israel
also called for Weiner to resign. "I pray for his family and hope
that Anthony will take time to get the help he needs without the
distractions and added pressures of Washington,"
Israel said.